Abstract:

Low coverage of household latrines in the Kagera Region of Tanzania continues to exist despite past and current interventions to improve the situation. A limited understanding of the reasons for the low coverage restricted solving of this problem. The research which aimed to explore the perceptions of community members and latrine promoters was sought to increase understanding of this problem.

Methods: Study designed was an exploratory qualitative approach that employed two qualitative research methods: focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Focus groups discussion involved elderly community members and Ward Development Committee members who are leaders and latrine promoters. In-depth interviews involved key informants whose job descriptions includes the promotion of household latrines. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Western Cape and authorisation to conduct the study from the Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary.

Results: Content analysis revealed a thick description of respondent’s perceptions in relation to factors which affect the coverage of household latrines in the Kagera Region. Interlinked factors were revealed including low community involvement and participation, poverty, cultural beliefs and taboos, gender disparity, low technical capacity of latrine promoters and poor packaging.

Conclusion: This study revealed myriad factors which affect the coverage of household latrines in Kagera Region of Tanzania. Recommendations were put forward including adoption of an integrated approach, empowerment of members, and provision of capacity building interventions for the key latrine promoters. Insights gained through this study could contribute towards improving the coverage of household latrines in the Kagera Region of Tanzania.

Keywords: Low coverage, household, latrine, sanitation, factors, promotion, perception, Muleba District, Kagera Region, Tanzania

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